Which qualifications do businesses need?

The vocational qualifications landscape in England is vast and complex. There are NVQs, City and Guilds, HNCs, HNDs and BTECs, and within these are different levels and credits. But which qualifications do businesses really value in employees? Businesses respond well to stability and familiarity. This is true when it comes to the economy and it is true when it comes to qualifications. The English vocational system has been subject to constant change in recent decades causing confusion, uncertainty and ultimately disillusionment with the vocational system among employers. Following a number of key reports in recent years the government are looking to change this. The Wolf Review of Vocational Education found that the English vocational qualification system discouraged schools, colleges and training providers from offering challenging vocational qualifications because of the direction of funding. The recent Richard Review of Apprenticeships found that of the 12,800 qualifications viable on the Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF) in August 2012 only 30% had awards registered with them. In order to up-skill the future workforce and generate sustained growth, young people need to be offered qualifications that employers value. Changes to the funding system were introduced last year, however, to ensure only high quality, relevant qualifications are offered, further work needs to be done. We understand that, to the average business owner, a qualification they understand is a qualification they respect. We want to hear from you about the types of vocational qualifications you look for in employees. How would you like to see vocational qualifications reformed to better suit your business? Please email your responses to publicaffairs@fpb.org

Introduction

The vocational qualifications landscape in England is vast and complex. There are NVQs, City and Guilds, HNCs, HNDs and BTECs, and within these are different levels and credits. But which qualifications do businesses really value in employees?